Hot and Trendy Kitchens Granite Counter Tops Among Popular Kitchen Upgrades

Itchin' for a new kitchen?

Realtors say updating a kitchen is a key starting point in home renovation projects. It can cost from $3,000 to $50,000 or more based on the size and scope of the project, according to Kitchen Magician on Knight Boxx Road.

The latest improvement trend is granite counter tops, said Lee Krause of Granite Transformations on Fleming Island.

"It's so hot right now. It's everywhere and it's a definite upgrade. It withstands everything. You can cut on it and it will dull your blade," said Krause, whose company sells and installs non- porous counter tops in 30 different colors made from 95 percent Italian granite and 5 percent polymer. The material resists stains, scratches, burns and mold and can be placed right on top of an old counter so no demolition is required, she said. An average Granite transformations makeover with a back splash costs about $4,500 and takes about a day, Krause said.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

When budgeting, the Do It Yourself Network suggests adding on 15 percent for surprises. Also, research money-saving techniques on line. For example, instead of $8 brass switch plates, use brass spray paint on 50-cent metal plates. But hire experts when needed; they may have better techniques for dry-wall finishing or electrical or plumbing. For more tips, visit www.diynetwork.com.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

Suzanne Leaver of Eagle Harbor uses a garden hose to clean up her kitchen after dinner.

"You can literally hose it off," she said about her custom-built outdoor kitchen. "I rarely cook inside. We live out here."

Leaver is a sales and design consultant for Creative Design Space, a company that has installed more than 20 custom outdoor kitchens in North Florida.

Leaver said outdoor kitchens were popular where she and her family lived in North Carolina. They were burned out and sold their family auto repair shop and decided to seek a new business venture. They moved to Eagle Harbor and started their home-based business with the help of some neighbors.

"We thought it would work well here," she said.

"I love it. Instead of everyone crowding in your kitchen," said Wendy Wolfe, one of three neighbors that have had outdoor kitchens installed. "It makes your house bigger. It's so beautiful here most of the time. We like to have friends over and this keeps the mess outside."

Leaver said kitchens cost between $6,000 and $65,000, depending on the design.TIPS FOR REMODELINGMinor kitchen:-- A minor cosmetic update costs about $14,913 and brings in $14,691 at resale, a recoup rate of 98.5 percent. A $15,000 renovation includes re-facing cabinets and drawers, adding a new wall oven, cook top, sink and fixtures, laminate counter tops, resilient flooring and recessed lighting.-- If your home is worth more than $500,000, go with stone or trendy glass counter tops. Sand and paint cabinets to give them new character. Change drapes and add window molding.Major kitchen:-- A complete overhaul averages $43,862 and returns $39,920 at resale, a recoup rate of 91 percent. It includes buying 30 feet of cabinets, an island, laminate counter tops, stainless sink, wall oven, cook top, vinyl flooring and appliances. -- Other ideas: create a breakfast bar, use tin ceiling tiles to make back splash, add French doors.Source: HGTV.comWHAT'S HOTLatest trends in kitchen appliances:- - Microwave drawer ovens - designed to fit under counters, stoves or wall ovens or within islands-- Telescopic swivel ventilation systems - a retractable ventilator on a rotating arm that removes cooking vapors directly above the burner-- Big, whimsical sinks - curvy shaped sinks that can be filled with ice and drinks and act as a self-serve station-- Custom wine racks - under counter refrigerated wine storage units made flush with cabinetry-- Drawer refrigerators - installed under counters to eliminate clutter-- Counter tops - made of heavy-duty granite, recycled glass or other durable materials that are heat and scratch-resistant-- Steam ovens - steam food instead of grilling, roasting or baking Source: Kitchenremodelideas.com

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